I also realize, however, just how terrifying it is that I am permitted near and expected to operate contrivances that use electricity, have whirring blades, produce scalding hot water or require more or less precise measurements in the state I'm in when I shuffle into the kitchen upon waking up.

I've heard good things about the Frieling press but it's a bit spendy and I have doubts as to whether an insulated carafe is necessary. My coffee generally goes from carafe to cup in short order, and I don't like letting it sit on the grinds for too long.

When I was shopping, I also came across reviews for Bonjour presses which were written up as perfectly usable, but I don't know much more about them.

I've been on my Bodum Chambord for about a year and a half now. I ended up going with the Bodum because Sam (who knows her coffee) recommended it, and because I had one in easy reach when I felt the need for an impulse buy.

I had heard good things about Bodum as well, but the one I got was not the regular metal one. That could be why. It fell apart in many ways. First the carafe broke, then a piece of the carafe holder popped off, then the filter fell apart into three pieces.